Battle Timeline

The Battle of Yorktown took place over a three-week period from September 28 to October 19, 1781, marking a crucial turning point in the American Revolutionary War.

Definition: The siege of Yorktown was a sustained military engagement that lasted 21 days.

Battle Location

The battle was fought in Yorktown, Virginia, a strategic location on the Virginia Peninsula. The geographical position of Yorktown, situated along the York River, played a crucial role in the battle's outcome.

Highlight: Yorktown's location made it both a strategic position and ultimately a trap for British forces.

American Leadership

George Washington served as the commanding general of the Continental Army during the Battle of Yorktown.

Quote: "George Washington was commander in chief of the continental army during the American Revolutionary War and served two terms as the first U.S. President, from 1789 to 1797."

Highlight: Washington's leadership at Yorktown demonstrated his military prowess and cemented his place in American history.

British Leadership

General Charles Cornwallis commanded the British forces during the battle, bringing significant military experience to the conflict.

Quote: "General Charles Cornwallis led several successful early campaigns during the American Revolution, securing British victories at New York, Brandywine and Camden."

Battle Strategy

George Washington's strategy at Battle of Yorktown involved a brilliant deception plan to outmaneuver the British forces.

Quote: "George Washington changed his strategy to make Clinton think he was planning to attack home, while instead sneaking away to the south to trap Cornwallis."

Critical Moment

The turning point of the battle centered on Washington's successful deception of British commanders.

Highlight: Washington's ability to mislead British intelligence about his true intentions proved crucial to the battle's outcome.

Battle Outcome

The Outcome of the Battle of Yorktown 1781 was a decisive American victory that effectively ended the Revolutionary War.

Quote: "Victory at Yorktown led directly to the peace negotiations that ended the war in 1783 and gave America its independence."

Visual Documentation

The document includes visual representations of the Battle of Yorktown through historical imagery.

Highlight: Historical images help visualize this pivotal moment in American history.

Title Page

The Battle of Yorktown document, authored by Carmen Radford, presents a comprehensive analysis of this pivotal Revolutionary War battle.

Highlight: This document serves as an educational resource detailing one of the most significant battles in American history.